The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-21
And Hold an Enthusiastic and Harmonious
Conference, in Which They Determine to
Make Spirited Fight Next Year.
Resolutions Are Adopted Setting Forth
the Principles To Be Fought For,
And Plans for Effective Organization Receive
misunderstanding Speeches by Gen.
Harrison, Gov. Porter and Others.

4
fine Hall, yesterday. As for the attendance it
would have been hard to name a county not
| represented, and the arrivals the morning
trains added largely to the number who came
| in the night before, until there were gathered
fully 1000 of the most spirited and aggressive
| Republicans ever assembled. They came for a
| purpose that, under ordinary conditions, would
not have called out one-tenth the number.
! There great satisfaction in meeting and ex-
| changing good will, in canvassing issues. every
| one of which was inspiring, predicting results
| and spreading from group to group liveliest
| hopefulness TO the campaign next year. A
| sociability prevailed in keeping with the spirit
| of the hour that was not broken by intense ad-
| vocacy OF any one particular prospective candi
| date Opinions concerning available men were
| given, aud that was the end of it. If one did
| rot coincide with them he allowed them to 60
| unquestioned, except in stating his own prefer
| ence.
With this excellent feeling the crowd at 1890
| o'clock passed across the street from headquar-
tiers at the New Denison Hotel to the hall. In
| ten minutes every part of it occupied by the
stalwart Republicans eager for the business that
| called them to the city to begin One looking
down from the stage could the gray hairs of
many a veteran whose youthful enthusiasm in
steady thought and from whom nothing had
been heard in the political world for years. So
marked was this feature of the assemblage that
it appeared more like council of old time
riors who had responded to the dash and vigor
of their younger comrades. With one accord
they came expressing the sentiment of no hold
ing back in the conflict that is to occur.
It not until near IL o'clock that Hon. J.
n. Huston, chairman of the State central com
mittee. called the conference to order
In stating its objects and con-
ditions he said he issued a call for it
his own responsibility. but not until he had con-
suited with leaders who were more interested in
the party's success than in individuals. This
expression was loudly applauded. the applause
being repeated when he said that there
purpose TO boom any one, but to look solely
into improving the organization. to give
whatever ticket is nominated assurance of
success. Instead of the State central commit
tee arrosating to itself the full power to control
affairs, he thought the rank and file of the party
ought to be consulted. subcommittee had
been appointed to revise the bylaws of the cen-
trail committee, not copy of which could be
found for years. This committee would repors
to the conference the revsions that had beeo
made, asking for its suggestions. amendments
or approval. An early organization OF the cen
trail committee, said Mr. Huston, is desired,
for the Republicans cannot begin
their work too soon. In doing
this it should not be forgotten that in organlz-
ing the county committees hereafter, the best
material to be found should be used. He had
recently returned from meeting Of the
Republican clubs in New York, where there
was a determination to fight and to put the party
early in the lead There were men from all
parts of the country in that convention, and it is
necessary for the Republicans of. Indiana to put
themselve s in line with what was said and done
there. They have good foundation, for there
already in the State fifty organized league
CLUBS. while fifty more are in progress Of organ
iZation. There will be- in few months, fully
800 in existence He did not say these things in
the interest of any candidate. for the party is
greater than any man.
When the conference called he addressed
to representative mon personal letter in the
interest OF the whole party. not of individuals,
nor for any other reason than that stated in the
call. The conference, he said. was not expected
to take any positive action, but recommend to
the State central committee what should be
done in strengthening the party's organization
for enrly work. Il had been deemed advisable
DO away with temporary organization there
fore the first thing in order would be the cleo
ton of a permanent chairman
In assemblage like this one. the chairman
ship could not go amiss, for there were many
upon any one of whom the honor5 could deserv-
eddy fall. But the distinction seemed to set at
in the direction of Ira J. Chase of Danville,
departments commander of the Grand Army of
the Republic. j. C. Biackledge, of kokomo.
nominated him, while Hon. ID. P. Baldwin. of
Logansport. named Hon. Calvin Cowgirl. OF Wa
bash William r. Hougb. of Greenfield. was
also put in nomination, as was Hon. j. \. Huston,
but neither would serve. Mr.. Chase pre-
ferred to have MIR. Cowgirl take the
chair, but the latter persisted in
his declination in favor of Mr.. Chase. Elk
Governor A. G. Porter suggested. but that
gentleman who had but recently come into the
hall to meet hearty reception, said that under
circum instances could ne consent to preside.
Mr. Chase was then elected by reclamation, and
as ne passed to the stage the applause was Wig
orous He is an entertaining speaker, and the
conference expected some stirring sentences
from him, but he contented himself with saying
that he felt very much the 1rishman did
when examined for pension "Where were
you wounded2" asked the doctor. Sure. sur"
replied Pat. Il was shot here and the ball came
out there" ''But that would have reached your
heart" How could it. doctor, when my heart |
was in my MOUTH" With this story, and simply
asking the pleasure of the conference. Mr.. |
Chase gave way to whatever business might be
suggested.
Charles E. Wilson, of Lafayette, and Ben
iamin d. Bagsby, of Indianapolis. were Sc
lected as secretary and assistant secretary. re- |
spectively. A little before this General Harri- |
son came into the hall. his. entrance being the |
signal for enthusiastic demonstration
The organization was completed by motion |
of NJ. +. Chilcote. of Rensselaer,. prevailing to |
the effect that committees on party organization |
in the State and resolutions be appointed, both |
to consist of one member from each Congress |
ional district. and that to them shall be referred
all resolutions without debate He also moved |
that the order of business be- First, report of /
tue committee on party ORGANIZATIONS; second,
report of the committee on bylaws for the State
central committee third report of the commit |
tee on resolutions; fourth speeches This was |
also carried and the committee on party organ |
izaton was appointed as follows
First District-H. s. Bennett, Vanderburg county. |
SecoEd-Wm. Farrell, Orange
Third-Geo-ge b. CardweIl, Floyd.
Fourth-Joan o. Cravens, Ripley.
Fifth. NJ. Campbell Hendricks.
Sixth-C. f. Rock Henry.
SEVENTH. IT. Kitchener, Shelby.
Eighth-Nichoas Fibeck, Vigo
Ninrh-Capt- " Il. Hart, Clinton.
Tenth--Smon 2. Thompson. Jasper.
Eleven tn--Johu /. Ollie. Huntington.
TWELFTH S. Drake, Lagrange.
Thirteenth-I4. W. Royse, Kosciusco-
The committee on resolutions consisted of the
following geutemen:
First Dis.rict-E. ". Horton Pike county.
Secondly. r. Gardiner, Davess.
Third-,John q. Berkshire Jennings.
fourth-John W. Lnck Jefferson
Fifth-James II. Jordan, Morgan.